Think Green And Act Green..

India is witnessing tremendous growth in infrastructure and construction development. The
construction industry in India is one of the largest economic activities and is growing at an
average rate of 9.5% as compared to the global average of 5%. As the sector is growing
rapidly, preserving the environment poses a host of challenges. To enable the construction
industry to be environmentally sensitive, Builders, developers and owners should build green to enhance  the economic and environmental performance of buildings.

Introduction

The housing sector in India is growing at a rapid pace and contributing immensely to the
growth of the economy. This augurs well for the country and now there is an imminent
need to introduce green concepts and techniques in this sector, which can aid growth in a
sustainable manner.
Green concepts and techniques in the residential sector can help address national issues
like handling of consumer waste, water efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel use in
commuting, energy efficiency and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these concepts can enhance occupant health, happiness and wellbeing. It covers methodologies to cover diverse climatic zones and changing lifestyles.

Benefits of Green Homes

Green homes can have tremendous benefits, both tangible and intangible. The most
tangible benefits are the reduction in water and energy consumption right from day one of
occupancy.
Intangible benefits of Green homes include enhanced air quality, excellent
daylighting, health & wellbeing of the occupants, safety benefits and conservation of
scarce national resources. Green Homes  can also enhance marketability of a
project.
The Green Homes  System addresses the most important National priorities which
include water conservation, handling of consumer waste, energy conservation,
conservation of resources like wood and lesser dependence on usage of virgin materials.

Water Efficiency:

Most of the Asian countries are water stressed and in countries like India the water table
has reduced drastically over the last decade. Green Homes encourages use of water in a
self - sustainable manner through reducing, recycling and reusing strategies. By adopting
this  programme green homes can save potable water.

Handling of House -hold Waste:

Handling of waste in residential buildings is extremely difficult as most of the waste
generated is not segregated at source and has a high probability of going to land fills. This
continues to be a challenge to the municipalities which needs to be addressed.

Energy Efficiency:

The residential sector is a large consumer of electrical energy. Green Homes can
reduce energy consumption through energy efficient lighting, air conditioning systems,
motors, pumps etc., green homes should select and use BEE labeled equipment and appliances. The energy savings that can be realised  by adopting this system.

Reduced Use of Fossil Fuels:

Fossil fuel is a slowly depleting resource, world over. The use of fossil fuel for
transportation has been a major source of pollution. We should use alternate fuels for transportation and captive power generation.

Reduced Dependency on Virgin Materials:

New  projects should use recycled & reused material and discourage the use of virgin wood thereby addressing environmental impacts associated with extraction and processing of virgin materials. Reduced usage of virgin wood is also encouraged.

Health and Well-being of Occupants:

Health and well-being of occupants is the most important aspect of Green Homes.

Green vehicles

A green vehicle is a vehicle that uses alternative fuel sources to run such as biodiesel fuel, solar energy or rechargeable battery electricity, to run the car.
There are four popular types of green cars:
Hybrid Car – Features a gas engine with an electric motor.
Electric Car – Uses an electric-powered motor and a battery to operate.
Hydrogen Car – Burns hydrogen to fuel the motor.
Biodiesel Car – Uses biodegradable biodiesel fuel to power the car.
Fuel Cell Car – Generates electricity by forming a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Green products 

The green products, energy savers, solar powered items, eco fashion, recycled jewelry, eco friendly purses, green dog toys and baby items.

Green party

Is all about raising awareness about environmental  issues.  Do this by not only discussing these topics but by using recycled or environmentally-friendly decorations.
With a going green party, guests can have a good time, while doing something for the community.  Don't waste paper by purchasing invitations.  Instead send an e-mail invitation. Host the party outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.  Plant seeds or trees in a garden or park.  Encourage guests to do this regularly.

So friends let’s go green !!

-Phani Ram